In a continuing effort to ensure Democratic presidential contenders take Nevada's first early caucus seriously, party operatives announced Saturday a new commission of state and national leaders to entice the candidates to the Silver State.

The party also unveiled a year-long calendar of presidential debates and issue forums leading up to the 2008 caucus, hoping to draw attention not only to Nevada, but also to the Mountain West and its key labor and Hispanic constituencies.

The events include a mid-August presidential debate in Reno and a candidate forum in Las Vegas on Jan. 15, 2008, before the Jan. 19, 2008, Nevada caucus.

"It's a really big deal in Reno that we are getting that first presidential debate," said Teresa Benitez-Thompson, vice-chairwoman of the Nevada State Democratic Party and a member of the new Nevada Caucus Commission. "That is going to have a big draw for everyone in the north. I see people coming from Elko and Winnemucca and Douglas County to witness that."

By designating Nevada and South Carolina as early nominating states, the Democrats have created an intense January 2008 campaign schedule that will have candidates racing across the country to nail down voters. The 2008 Iowa caucus is Jan. 14. New Hampshire's primary follows Nevada on Jan. 22. South Carolina's primary is Jan. 29.

A win in a state with an early nominating contest often propels a candidate to the front of a crowded field, creating momentum that is difficult to overcome in later primaries.

The fact that Nevada is on the opposite side of the country from the other early nominating states has many wondering how much attention the Silver State will receive in those final hectic days. State operatives hope the candidate forum on Jan. 15, 2008, will ensure the contenders spend some of their critical early campaign hours in Nevada.

The Nevada Caucus Commission is meant to be a key resource for national campaigns uncertain how to approach Nevada politics. As such, the members will remain neutral throughout the race to ensure an even playing field for the candidates, Benitez-Thompson said.

In addition to most of Nevada's state-level elected Democrats, the commission includes such Nevada heavyweights as RR Partners president Billy Vassiliadis, labor leader Danny Thompson and gaming executive and fundraiser Mike Sloan. Also on the panel are former governors Bob Miller and Richard Bryan and former Assembly speakers Richard Perkins and Joe Dini.

Several key labor and Hispanic leaders are on the commission, lending significant national muscle to entice the candidates to campaign in Nevada.

"If (the candidates) don't understand the benefits and advantages of coming to Nevada, they will help them see why it is advantageous to come here," Benitez-Thompson said.

They include UNITE HERE's president John Wilhelm; Reggie Weaver, president of the National Education Association; Anna Burger, the Service Employees International Union's leader; and Raul Yzaguirre, past president of the National Council of La Raza.

Nevada Democrats also are working to position the state's early caucus as a regional event to solidify Democratic gains in the Mountain West. As such, the panel includes U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., and Colorado's Gov. Bill Ritter.